Iran has alleged that the United States (US) denied visas to “crucial” backroom staff members of its national football team. Washington stated that Iranian players had been granted permission to travel for the upcoming World Cup. US officials confirmed on Friday that visas had been issued to all Iranian players and essential support staff. However, they simultaneously warned Iran against abusing this arrangement to attempt to smuggle terrorists into the US under false identities. Hours after this US announcement, the Iranian embassy in Turkey accused the US of politically biased interference in sports.
According to their claims, a significant portion of the Iranian national team—including management, executive staff, and technical advisors—did not receive visas. Iranian state media reported that approximately 15 administrative officials were denied entry; this group includes the head of the Iran Football Federation, his deputy, and a media director. On Saturday, the Iranian team departed from their training base in Turkey, heading for Mexico, where they will stay for the duration of the tournament. They are scheduled to arrive early Sunday morning following a 20-hour flight. Iran’s ambassador to the US, speaking from Mexico, noted that visa conditions require the players to enter the US on match days and leave on the same day.
A statement issued by Iran described the US decision as a “whitewash.” It declared, “You have now taken discriminatory and politically motivated behavior against the Iranian national football team to the highest level.” Officials from the Iranian embassy have urged FIFA to intervene in the matter. The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on June 11 and is being jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Iran secured its spot in the tournament by topping its qualifying group in March 2025—roughly a year before the war began. If the matches proceed as planned, this will mark the first World Cup where a host nation plays host to a team from a country with which it is in a state of direct war. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that the government will secure all 11 host sites—including Los Angeles—through a coordinated security plan throughout the event. The agency stated that it is prioritizing the safety of the American public and visitors above all else.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has informed Congress that no member of the Iranian team should have ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. However, it has been reported that some Iranian athletes were affiliated with the organization as part of their mandatory military service.
